Theology

How does Christ demonstrate he would remain sacramentally present to the community in the ritual of the Last Supper?

At the Last Supper, which is also known as the sacred meal Jesus spoke to his disciples with the outmost amount of trust. He let them know through his words that he would be a part or one with them through anything. He actually said to them he would remain in their human lives no matter what. This meant that Jesus would be with them whether he was alive or dead. These disciples were his twelve closest friends.

“Sacred meals, expressive of the human relationship to the devine, form a part of the ritual practice of many religions… they share a sacred meal with [God] as a sign of their acceptance by him through the sacrificial act” (Paul Bradshaw. Early Christian Worship, A basic introduction to ideas and practice, The Liturgical Press, 1996, p.38).

This quote shows the significance of the Last Supper. It was at this time that Jesus made a impact on these disciples for eternity. The disciples truly learned at this final meal that the Lord Jesus was and forever will be the chosen one.

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body”. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” (The New Oxford Annotated Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha, New York, 1973, Matthew 26:26-28).

By saying these words, and making the actions that Jesus made, we see that the disciples will forever recall the life and death of Jesus, as well as all of Jesus’ achievements.

Passover relates to the Last Supper through what can be called a Passover celebration. When celebrating Passover we remember Christ’s passing over the Israelites houses. When celebrating it is the berakoth, or the head of the household that actually leads the ritual. There is actually steps that occur while celebrating the Passover. Bread is handeled, then a small blessing is said before the bread is broken.